5064. In the prefatory remarks to the preceding chapter (n. 4954-4959), it was explained what is signified in the internal sense by "giving meat to the hungry and drink to the thirsty," by "gathering the stranger, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and him that is in prison"-that it is the essence of charity which is involved and is thus described. By the "hungry," the "thirsty," and the "stranger," is signified the affection of good and truth; and by the "naked," the "sick," and "those who are in prison," self-acknowledgment (see n. 4956, 4958).
